Water Neck For LS Engines

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method are provided for a water neck for use with a water pump to circulate a coolant from a radiator to an LS engine. The water neck comprises a conduit which includes an interior opening to convey the coolant by way of a water hose to the radiator. The conduit includes a cylindrical section having a smooth exterior surface and a circumferential edge that are configured to receive the water hose. A base is configured to be coupled with the water pump, such that the coolant is conveyed from the water pump through the water neck. A supportive section interconnects the conduit and the base, and orients the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional application, entitled “Water Neck For LS Engines,” filed on Oct. 28, 2015 and having application Ser. No. 62/247,648.

FIELD

The field of the present disclosure generally relates to engine cooling systems. More particularly, the field of the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for a water neck which is adapted to couple various radiator hoses with water pumps configured for use in performance automotive applications.

BACKGROUND

A water-cooled engine, such as an LS engine 104 shown in FIG. 1, typically comprises a cooling circuit comprising an internal water jacket, a thermostat valve, and a water pump 108 which receives water hoses extending from a radiator. A coolant typically comprising a mixture of water and an anti-freeze, such as ethylene glycol, and flowing within the cooling circuit conveys heat from the engine 104 to the radiator whereby excess heat is removed from the coolant so as to maintain operation of the engine within a suitable temperature range. The thermostat valve typically operates in conjunction with a bottom bypass of the water pump, whereby coolant bypasses the radiator and circulates within the internal water jacket when the temperature of the coolant is low. As the coolant approaches the suitable temperature range, however, the thermostat valve opens and allows the coolant to flow through the radiator by way of the water hoses. Once the coolant reaches the suitable temperature range, the radiator and the thermostat valve cooperate to maintain the operating temperature of the engine 104.

The water pump 108 typically is powered by the engine 104, often by way of a belted pulley assembly 112 or by way of a gear set connected between a crankshaft of the engine and the water pump 108. The water pump 108 generally comprises an impeller or a centrifugal pump that causes the coolant to flow through the engine, hoses, radiator, and other cooling circuit components. A water neck 116 typically provides an interface between the water pump 108 and a bottom hose extending from the radiator, and also houses the thermostat valve. As shown in FIG. 2, the water pump 108 comprises a coupling 120 configured to receive the thermostat valve and the water neck 116. The coupling 120 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a smooth surface 124 configured to receive a gasket and a similarly smooth surface of the water neck 116. A first threaded hole 128 and a second threaded hole 132 facilitate bolting the water neck 116 to the water pump 108 so as to establish a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A return conduit 136 is configured to receive a water hose whereby coolant heated by operation of the engine 104 is carried to the radiator for cooling.

In many performance automotive applications, it is desirable to install aftermarket radiator hoses, and thus it is advantageous to use a water neck which directs the aftermarket radiator hoses in a direction other than as provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the water pump. An objective of the present disclosure, therefore, is to provide a water neck which is advantageously adapted to couple various radiator hoses with water pumps configured for use in performance automotive applications.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and a method are provided for a water neck for use with a water pump to circulate a coolant between a radiator and an LS engine. The water neck comprises a base configured to be coupled with the water pump. The base comprises a smooth surface that is configured to establish a fluid-tight coupling with a smooth surface of the water pump. A conduit comprising an interior opening is configured to be coupled with a water hose extending from the radiator. A supportive section interconnects the conduit and the base. The supportive section is configured to orient a longitudinal axis of the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine. The longitudinal axis may be substantially normal to, or oriented at a polar angle relative to a plane defined by a coupling of the base with the water pump. Further, the longitudinal axis may be oriented at an azimuthal angle relative to a straight line extending from a first hole to a second hole of the base.

In an exemplary embodiment, a water neck for use with a water pump for circulating a coolant between a radiator and an LS engine comprises: a base configured to be coupled with the water pump; a conduit comprising an interior opening and configured to be coupled with a water hose extending from the radiator; and a supportive section interconnecting the conduit and the base.

In another exemplary embodiment, the water neck is comprised of a rigid material that is sufficiently durable and temperature resistant to retain its configuration during circulating the coolant between the radiator and the LS engine. In another exemplary embodiment, the conduit comprises an elongate, cylindrical section having a smooth exterior surface and a circumferential edge that are configured to establish a fluid-tight coupling with the water hose. In another exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical section comprises an outer diameter such that the conduit may be slidably inserted into an interior of the water hose. In another exemplary embodiment, the water hose is configured to be fastened onto the cylindrical section by way of any of a wide variety of suitable mechanical fasteners. In another exemplary embodiment, the circumferential edge comprises at least one structure configured cooperate with the water hose and a mechanical fastener so as to maintain the fluid-tight coupling during circulating the coolant. In another exemplary embodiment, the interior opening extends through the conduit, the supportive section, and the base such that coolant received into the base from the water pump is conveyed through the water neck to the water hose.

In another exemplary embodiment, the base comprises a smooth surface that is configured to establish a fluid-tight seal with a smooth surface of the water pump. In another exemplary embodiment, the smooth surface comprises a size and a shape that respectively match a size and a shape of the smooth surface of the water pump. In another exemplary embodiment, the smooth surface of the base comprises a countersink disposed around the interior opening so as to provide clearance for a thermostat valve. In another exemplary embodiment, the base comprises a first hole and a second hole disposed on opposite sides of the supportive section and respectively aligned with a first threaded hole and a second threaded hole of the water pump, the first and second holes being configured to receive bolts configured to threadably engage with the first and second threaded holes.

In another exemplary embodiment, the supportive section is configured to orient a longitudinal axis of the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine. In another exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis is substantially normal to a plane defined by a coupling of the base with the water pump. In another exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis is oriented at a polar angle with respect to a line which is normal to a plane defined by a coupling of the base with the water pump, and wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented at an azimuthal angle relative to a straight line extending from a first hole to a second hole of the base. In another exemplary embodiment, the polar angle ranges between substantially 0 degrees and substantially 90 degrees, and wherein the azimuthal angle ranges between substantially 0 degrees and substantially 180 degrees.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for a water neck for use with a water pump for circulating a coolant between a radiator and an LS engine comprises: configuring a base to be coupled with the water pump; providing a conduit to be coupled with a water hose extending from the radiator; and connecting the conduit to the base by way of a supportive section.

In another exemplary embodiment, connecting further comprises configuring the supportive section to orient a longitudinal axis of the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the base further comprises forming a smooth surface having a size and a shape suitable for establishing a fluid-tight coupling with a smooth surface of the water pump. In another exemplary embodiment, providing the conduit further comprises forming an elongate, cylindrical section having a smooth exterior surface and a circumferential edge that are suitable for establishing a fluid-tight coupling with the water hose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of an exemplary LS engine comprising an internal water jacket, a thermostat valve, and a water pump configured to receive water hoses extending from a radiator;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side plan view of an exemplary water pump suitable for use with the exemplary LS engine illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a straight water neck for use with LS engines, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an angled water neck for use with LS engines in accordance with the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The invention should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first hose,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first hose” is different than a “second hose.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

In general, the present disclosure describes an apparatus and a method for a water neck for use with a water pump whereby a coolant may be circulated from a radiator to an LS engine. The water neck comprises a conduit which includes an interior opening configured to receive the coolant from a water hose extending from the radiator. The conduit is comprised of an elongate, cylindrical section having a smooth exterior surface and a circumferential edge. The cylindrical section and the circumferential edge are configured to receive the water hose extending from the radiator. A base is configured to be coupled with the water pump, such that the coolant is conveyed from the water pump through the conduit. The base is configured to be installed onto a coupling of the water pump. The base and the coupling comprise smooth surfaces sharing substantially the same size and shape suitable for establishing a fluid-tight seal. A supportive section interconnects the conduit and the base, and is configured to orient a longitudinal axis of the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a straight water neck 140, according to the present disclosure. The straight water neck 140 is configured to be coupled with the water pump 108 illustrated in FIG. 2, whereby coolant may be circulated from a radiator (not shown) to the LS engine 104, illustrated in FIG. 1, so as to maintain a suitable temperature range of the engine during operation. The straight water neck 140 preferably is comprised of a metal, such as, by way of non-limiting example, aluminum, any of various aluminum alloys, steel, and the like. It is contemplated, however, that the straight water neck 140 may be comprised of any rigid material that is sufficiently durable and temperature resistant to retain its configuration when coupled with the water pump 108 and during conveying heated coolant from the radiator to the LS engine 104.

The straight water neck 140 comprises a conduit 144 and a base 148 that are interconnected by way of a supportive section 152. In some embodiments, the conduit 144, the base 148, and the supportive section 152 may comprise sections of a single piece of material, such as billet aluminum, which is machined so as to produce the straight water neck 140 illustrated in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the conduit 144, the base 148, and the supportive section 152 may comprise sections of a single piece of material which has been molded so as to produce the straight water neck 140. In some embodiments, the conduit 144, the base 148, and the supportive section 152 may comprise individual components that are assembled together so as to produce the straight water neck 140. In some embodiments, the conduit 144, the base 148, and the supportive section 152 are welded together so as to produce the straight water neck 140, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In still some embodiments, the conduit 144, the base 148, and the supportive section 152 are individual components each comprised of machined billet aluminum and then welded together so as to form the straight water neck 140. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the straight water neck 140 may be produced by way of various other suitable materials and processes without deviating beyond the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The conduit 144 generally is comprised of an elongate, cylindrical section 156 having a smooth exterior surface, an interior opening 160, and a circumferential edge 164. The cylindrical section 156 and the circumferential edge 164 are configured to receive a water hose extending from the radiator. The cylindrical section 156 generally has an outer diameter sized such that the conduit 144 may be slidably inserted into an interior opening of the water hose. It is contemplated that any of a wide variety of mechanical fasteners may be used to fasten the water hose onto the conduit 144 so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the straight water neck 140 and the water hose. Preferably, the circumferential edge 164 comprises at least one structure configured to cooperate with the water hose and the mechanical fastener so as to retain the fluid-tight seal between water hose and the conduit 144 during operation of the engine 104. For example, the circumferential edge 164 may comprise any of a variety of ridges, lips, or raised portions so as to optimally engage the water hose. It should be understood that the specific configuration of the conduit 144 depends upon the particular configuration of the water hose being utilized, and thus a wide variety of specific configurations may be incorporated into the conduit 144 without straying beyond the scope of the present disclosure.

As mentioned above, the supportive section 152 interconnects the conduit 144 with the base 148. The supportive section 152 serves as a structural foundation for the conduit 144, and orients a longitudinal axis 146 of the conduit 144 relative to a plane of the base 148 so as to direct the conduit 144, and thus the water hose, away from the LS engine 104 and the belted pulley assembly 112. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the longitudinal axis 146 is substantially normal to the plane of the base 148. It is contemplated, however, that the supportive section 152 may be configured so as to orient the conduit 144 with one or more angles relative to the base 148, as described herein.

As will be appreciated, the interior opening 160 extends through the conduit 144, the supportive section 152, and the base 148 such that coolant received into the base from the water pump is conveyed through the water neck 140 to the water hose. As such, the base 148 is configured to be installed onto the water pump 108 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The base 148 generally comprises a smooth surface (not shown) having a size and a shape which matches the size and shape of the smooth surface 124, illustrated in FIG. 2. The smooth surface of the base 148 is suitable for establishing a fluid-tight seal with the smooth surface 124 of the water pump 108. As will be recognized, a gasket may be disposed between the smooth surface 124 and the smooth surface of the base 148 so as to form the fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments, the thermostat valve may be coupled with the gasket between the water pump 108 and the base 148. In some embodiments, the smooth surface of the base 148 may further comprise a circumferential countersink which is disposed around the opening 160 so as to provide clearance for the thermostat valve when the base 148 is placed into contact with the gasket and the smooth surface 124.

As shown in FIG. 3, the base 148 comprises a first hole 168 and a second hole 172 disposed on opposite sides of the supportive section 152 so as to respectively align with the first and second threaded holes 128, 132 of the water pump 108. The first and second holes 168, 172 are configured to receive bolts 176, as shown in FIG. 1. The bolts 176 each comprises a size, a length, and a threading so as to suitably engage with the first and second threaded holes 128, 132. It is contemplated that the first and second holes 168, 172 comprise a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the bolts 176 so as to allow passage of the bolts through the base 148 such that the bolts 176 may be threadably engaged with the first and second threaded holes 128. 132. Further, it is envisioned that the above-described gasket comprises holes that are similarly sized to, and aligned with, the first and second holes 168, 172 so as to prevent the gasket from obstructing the bolts 176 being engaged with the threaded holes 128, 132.

As will be appreciated, the straight water neck 140 may be installed onto the water pump 108 with the gasket disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the gasket may be treated with any one of various gasket sealants so as to further prevent coolant from leaking out of the coupling between the straight water neck 140 and the water pump 108. During installation of the straight water neck 140, a thin layer of gasket sealant may be applied to the smooth surface of the base 148. The gasket may then be applied to the smooth surface of the base 148 such that the holes in the gasket are aligned with the first and second holes 168, 172. While the thin layer of gasket sealant holds the gasket fixed to the base 148, a thin layer of gasket sealant may be applied to the remaining exposed surface of the gasket. Further, in those embodiments wherein the base 148 includes the circumferential countersink, the thermostat valve may be positioned between the base 148 and the gasket. In other embodiments, the thermostat valve may be installed into the coupling 120. The straight water neck 140 with the gasket and sealant may then be pressed onto the smooth surface 124 of the water pump 108 such that the first and second holes 168, 172 are respectively aligned with the first and second threaded holes 128, 132. While holding the straight water neck 140 in position, the bolts 176 may be inserted into the first and second holes 168, 172 and then threadably engaged with the first and second threaded holes 128, 132. Installation of the straight water neck 140 may be completed by applying a manufacturer recommended degree of torque to each of the bolts 176.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an angled water neck 180 which may be coupled with the water pump 108, whereby coolant may be circulated from the radiator to the LS engine 104, as described herein. The angled water neck 180 is substantially similar to the straight water neck 140 illustrated in FIG. 3, with the exception that the angled water neck 180 comprises an angled supportive section 184 in lieu of the supportive section 152. As will be appreciated, the angled supportive section 184 serves to direct the conduit 144, and thus the water hose, away from the LS engine 104 and the belted pulley assembly 112. The angled supportive section 184 is configured to orient a longitudinal axis 188 of the conduit 144 at a polar angle θ with respect to a line A-A which is normal to the base 148, and an azimuthal angle φ relative to a straight line B-B extending through the first and second holes 168, 172. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the polar angle of the longitudinal axis 188 is substantially 90 degrees, and the azimuthal angle is substantially 45 degrees. It will be recognized, however, that the polar and azimuthal angles of the conduit 144 depend upon a specific automotive application, as well as a particular engine for which the water neck 180 is intended to be installed. It should be understood, therefore, that the polar and azimuthal angles of the conduit 144 are not to be limited to the values described herein, but rather the polar angle may range from substantially 0 degrees to substantially 90 degrees, and the azimuthal angle may range from substantially 0 degrees to substantially 180 degrees, without limitation, so as accommodate at least a majority of the various automotive applications for which the angled water neck 180 may be installed.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be Modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water neck for use with a water pump for circulating a coolant between a radiator and an LS engine, comprising: a base configured to be coupled with the water pump; a conduit comprising an interior opening and configured to be coupled with a water hose extending from the radiator; and a supportive section interconnecting the conduit and the base.
 2. The water neck of claim 1, wherein the water neck is comprised of a rigid material that is sufficiently durable and temperature resistant to retain its configuration during circulating the coolant between the radiator and the LS engine.
 3. The water neck of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises an elongate, cylindrical section having a smooth exterior surface and a circumferential edge that are configured to establish a fluid-tight coupling with the water hose.
 4. The water neck of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical section comprises an outer diameter such that the conduit may be slidably inserted into an interior of the water hose.
 5. The water neck of claim 4, wherein the water hose is configured to be fastened onto the cylindrical section by way of any of a wide variety of suitable mechanical fasteners.
 6. The water neck of claim 3, wherein the circumferential edge comprises at least one structure configured cooperate with the water hose and a mechanical fastener so as to maintain the fluid-tight coupling during circulating the coolant.
 7. The water neck of claim 3, wherein the interior opening extends through the conduit, the supportive section, and the base such that coolant received into the base from the water pump is conveyed through the water neck to the water hose.
 8. The water neck of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a smooth surface that is configured to establish a fluid-tight seal with a smooth surface of the water pump.
 9. The water neck of claim 8, wherein the smooth surface comprises a size and a shape that respectively match a size and a shape of the smooth surface of the water pump.
 10. The water neck of claim 8, wherein the smooth surface of the base comprises a countersink disposed around the interior opening so as to provide clearance for a thermostat valve.
 11. The water neck of claim 8, wherein the base comprises a first hole and a second hole disposed on opposite sides of the supportive section and respectively aligned with a first threaded hole and a second threaded hole of the water pump, the first and second holes being configured to receive bolts configured to threadably engage with the first and second threaded holes.
 12. The water neck of claim 1, wherein the supportive section is configured to orient a longitudinal axis of the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine.
 13. The water neck of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially normal to a plane defined by a coupling of the base with the water pump.
 14. The water neck of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented at a polar angle with respect to a line which is normal to a plane defined by a coupling of the base with the water pump, and wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented at an azimuthal angle relative to a straight line extending from a first hole to a second hole of the base.
 15. The water neck of claim 14, wherein the polar angle ranges between substantially 0 degrees and substantially 90 degrees, and wherein the azimuthal angle ranges between substantially 0 degrees and substantially 180 degrees.
 16. A method for a water neck for use with a water pump for circulating a coolant between a radiator and an LS engine, comprising: configuring a base to be coupled with the water pump; providing a conduit to be coupled with a water hose extending from the radiator; and connecting the conduit to the base by way of a supportive section.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein connecting further comprises configuring the supportive section to orient a longitudinal axis of the conduit relative to the base so as to direct the conduit and the water hose away from the LS engine and a belted pulley assembly of the LS engine.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein configuring the base further comprises forming a smooth surface having a size and a shape suitable for establishing a fluid-tight coupling with a smooth surface of the water pump.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the conduit further comprises forming an elongate, cylindrical section having a smooth exterior surface and a circumferential edge that are suitable for establishing a fluid-tight coupling with the water hose. 